As she sits down in the chair and visits with the nurse, the nerves start to kick in. The idea of getting a needle stuck in her arm isn’t ideal, but knowing that it helps save lives makes the sacrifice worth any pain.
The spring HOSA blood drive will be on March 4 and the sign-up ends February 23. It is a chance for students to make a difference by donating blood.
Because of past successes, HOSA has high hopes for the blood drive.
“We are hopeful for the blood drive,” Health Science teacher Tamara Ingram said. “Previously, we’ve gotten 92 units of blood, and we would like to double the amount of people donating if possible”
Most people can give blood, but there are things that could prevent someone from donating.
“There are some restrictions that could prevent you from giving blood and if you still try, you still get a cool shirt,” Ingram said. “If you’ve received a tattoo in the last six months you can’t give,. If you have been to certain countries in the last six months you can’t give. If you have hepatitis you can’t give, and if you’re younger than 17 and weigh less than 110 pounds, you can’t give.”
After the donation process, it’s important to recover as best as possible. There is a protocol that the professionals will provide for a quick recovery.
“For the recovery process, you can rehydrate and eat,” HOSA secretary Ian Sheridan said. “You’re also not going to want to engage in any strenuous physical activity the same day. You have to make sure to get lots of rest.”
Some people are nervous that if something goes wrong, they won’t be okay, but that is quite the opposite.
“During the donation process, all universal cautions are taken,” Ingram said. “They all wear gloves, everything is new and disposed of correctly.”
With all of these precautions taken, students must be wondering how the process goes and when to sign up.
“As of right now, you can sign up for the blood drive during lunch,” Sheridan said. “The day of the donation, the student will get pulled out of the class period. Once they are pulled out, they will sign in in the gymnasium and get a physical done and once that process deems the student can donate, they can begin the process. After the blood is drawn, you will be seated and will wait until a certain amount of time has passed, in which food and a drink will be provided. Afterward, the student will be sent back to class, and any complication in the process will be treated as soon as it is spotted.”
With such a simple process, fellow Wildkats tell of a quick and almost painless process.
“I had a great time giving blood,” senior Kinley Gibbs said. “I was really nervous going into it because it was my first time, but it really is not a big deal. I hate needles, but after my experience at the blood drive I will definitely be donating again.”
While some people are cautious, they want to donate blood for the right reasons.
“It is important to give blood because there are people who need it, and if I can help, I should,” junior Brianna Cianceruso said. “I am a little scared, but it is for such a good cause. This is my first time donating because I just turned 17.”
